ANALYSIS
Those arguing in favour of forsaking PoK, despite India’s rightful claims, facilitate China’s expansionist policy
Last month, as I was going through the opinion pages of various newspapers, I came across an article in one of the leading English dailies titled ‘Leave PoK Alone’. The core argument behind this line of thought was that attempts to integrate PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) with the rest of India would lead to violent after-effects. Now, as a student of International Relations, this argument baffles me. If a nation-state backs down from claiming territory it has rightful claims on, fearing it would lead to violence, then this logic will be given every time a neighbouring country starts claiming our land as a part of its territory. Here, the question is not about whether the 13,000 square kilometres of PoK will help the cause of Kashmir or not as mentioned in the article.
The point is why should a nation-state agree wilfully to forsake its claim on the piece of land where its sovereignty rightfully lies? Not having a concrete plan to acquire PoK is a different issue which is related to both the ‘intentions’ and ‘capabilities’ of the Indian state. But to forget it would project India as a ‘weak state’ in the international system. Serious questions would be raised about India’s status as an ‘emerging power’.
Any state that wishes to be strong will fight for its sovereignty, no matter how small the land in question is. The Indian state didn’t capture Kashmir as a colonial power. When Britain left, princely states had the option of joining India or Pakistan, or remaining independent. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir signed an Instrument of Accession, handing over control of defence, external affairs, and communications to the Government of India in return for military aid to Kashmir, which was under brutal attack from Pashtun tribesmen and Pathans supported by battle-hardened army regulars. Had the Indian Army not intervened, all of Kashmir would have been forcefully taken by Pakistan.
Though India managed to secure a large part of Jammu and Kashmir by the time a ceasefire was called, a large portion of the territory had gone to Pakistan. This ceasefire line is called the Line of Control after the Simla Agreement in 1972. This brief history tells us that India has rightful claims over PoK. Had the ceasefire not happened, it is certain that all of J&K would have been part of the Indian state.
PoK has now become more complicated with China’s entry, making the issue trilateral in nature. The Chinese have invested immensely in the region under the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Since the Chinese have higher stakes here, they do not want India to poke its nose in the region. Now it becomes easier for countries like China and Pakistan to pressurise India in international forums when voices within India start demanding that the Indian state forget PoK.
This is exactly what an adversary would want: create ‘internal tussles’ between different groups over the question of ‘national security’ and ‘national interest’. For nation-states, ‘self-interest’ is paramount and so it should be, because the international system is ‘anarchic’ in nature. Giving up claims on PoK would prove that India has been wrongfully claiming it since 1947.
China, which constantly shows Aksai Chin, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, and even Uttarakhand on its map, will get a chance to undermine India’s positions in these territories. What would these groups, which are now demanding that India forget PoK, say then? They might say that India should follow the policy of non-aggression, non-violence, and live-and-let-live by giving up claims on these territories as well as considering that conflict escalates the defence budget. Therefore, India should make peace with it and use this money for development. Every single time, national security is pitted against the issue of development. The point is, when the nation is not secure, how can development happen? To sum up, forgetting PoK should be the last thing on the minds of policymakers. The time has come to conceive a concrete plan to reacquire the piece of land that is rightfully ours.
Send your edits to gennextedit@dnaindia.net
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is
This govt company sold Rs 28880000000 shares of Ratan Tata firm, reduces its holding to...
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 'Severe' category, record high in India today with 418
Tesla CEO Elon Musk spreading misinformation on X? His own AI model says...
Independent candidate slaps SDM outside booth during Rajasthan bypolls, watch video here
Viral video: Vistara crew bids emotional farewell on last flight before merger with Air India, watch
NBR Group Redefines Luxury Living With New Brand Identity, Tagline, and Logo
Resham Kamboj: Empowering Souls and Financial Freedom Through Spiritual Mentorship
NTPC Green Energy Rs 10000 crore IPO: Check subscription date, price band, lot size and more
India’s first hydrogen train to start trials soon: Check route, features, top speed to be…
Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to shut down these outlets under Reliance Retail due to...
Watch viral video: This MP stole Bill and ran away with intention to...
US comedian's hilarious imitation of Donald Trump goes viral, watch video here
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: CSK legend MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi cast vote in Ranchi - Watch
LoP Rahul Gandhi rides Kerala's longest zipline in Wayanad to boost tourism after landslides; watch
Nita Ambani stuns in floral ensemble as she poses with Anupam Kher at NMACC
Anil Ambani's company makes HUGE profit in 3 months, market cap now reaches Rs...
Is Space Travel Safe: Surprising ways Space affects human body
Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif lost this blockbuster franchise of Rs 600 crore, were replaced by...
'Can't believe...': Woman dresses up as ghost in viral video, here's what happened next, WATCH
HURRY UP! Coldplay announces fourth show in Ahmedabad, tickets to go on sale from...
Chhath Puja turns scary! Venomous snake turns towards woman performing rituals, then…
Meet man who left college at 18, earned Rs 1200 crore at 20, is CEO now, has net worth of Rs...
Radhika Merchant changes name, shares thoughts on work and marriage
Renewable Energy: Power generation expert Shahroz Anjum leads way in solar optimisation
Meet man, Indian-origin VP, who uses vacations to determine if he's hired right people, he is...
Ricky Ponting hits back at Gautam Gambhir's 'minding own business' advice, says, 'He is…'
Decision between renting and owning: Krupa Goel's perspective on what's shaping choices today
SC pronounces verdict on 'bulldozer justice': 'Having a home is a longing that never fades...'
Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over Church of England sex abuse scandal
Why world's most valuable company Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang doesn’t wear a watch, know here